Lucky Streak (14 page)

“I ain't your uncle,” he muttered.

Gabrielle glanced at Amber and grinned. “Yes, you are. You're my uncle by marriage. When are you going to stop arguing with me?”

He made a frustrated sound and returned to peering out the window.

“What's going on?” Gabrielle asked.

“The house next door just went up for sale,” Amber explained. She looked from her pajamas to Gabrielle's pretty skirt and sleeveless top.

Somehow the other woman managed to look like a model even at 9:00 a.m. A pale model, but maybe it was the precarious trek across the gravel that had shaken her, Amber thought.

“Harry Winters is moving?” Gabrielle asked, ob
viously surprised. “I thought he liked being alone as much as you do,” she said to Edward.

“Yeah, well, after you got Mayor Mary Perkins arrested last year, Harry wasn't afraid to go out anymore. He met a lady friend at the Wave not long after it was rebuilt from the fire.”

Gabrielle raised her eyebrows. “And just how would you know all this?”

Amber wondered that herself. For a man who rarely left the house and didn't talk to anyone when he did, Edward sure knew a lot.

Edward glanced away, refusing to meet their gaze. “Harry and me talk sometimes. Don't look at me like I'm crazy. Neighbors do that,” he muttered, a mass of contradictions. “Now, would you two go away and give me some privacy?”

“I really should jump in the shower first,” Amber said.

“And I brought my laptop to work down by the lake.” Gabrielle gestured out back.

“I got my own work to do,” Edward muttered and walked out of the family room, planning to do who knows what, who knew where.

“Difficult old coot,” Gabrielle said, but there was obvious affection in her tone.

The women parted ways, agreeing to meet up later.

Amber showered and pulled herself together for the day. She picked up a book from Edward's shelves
and a towel to sit on, then headed out back, settling herself beneath a tree for shade. Beside her, Gabrielle clicked away at her computer.

A warm breeze blew through the moist air. “This humidity is awful.” Amber ran her hand through her hair.

“I've done book tours out West and I think the dry heat can kill you. But I'm sure the humidity takes some getting used to,” Gabrielle said with a laugh.

“How would you know, with your perfect hair that falls so straight?” Amber eyed the other woman's glossy tresses with envy only another woman could understand.

“We always want what we don't have.”

“Amen,” Amber said.

“Right now, I'm growing out a short bob. I'd kill for long curls like yours,” Gabrielle said.

In her concierge days, Amber had opted for the sleek and sophisticated look. A flatiron and lack of humidity had helped her accomplish that goal. But on take-it-easy days like today, she let it dry naturally.

She stretched her feet out and looked over the lake. “Is that Edward fishing?” She pointed to a place far away from where they sat.

Gabrielle glanced over. “Mmm-hmm.”

“He looks peaceful.” So different from the stressed-out man he'd been earlier. “Fishing must relax him,” Amber said.

“There are no fish.” Gabrielle perched her sunglasses on top of her head. “But at least he seems calmer.”

Amber nodded. “Did you ever notice how he teeters on the edge, between sanity and mania, and back again?”

Gabrielle nodded. “The whole family notices. It's easier to just leave him alone as much as possible. Trust me, you don't want his attention focused on you. I should know.” She ran her hands up and down her arms, glancing out across the lake. “I lost a baby six months ago,” she said softly, obviously confiding her deepest secret.

Amber was touched Gabrielle had chosen to tell her. “I'm sorry.”

“Thank you. The reason I wanted you to know this now is because of Edward. His reaction was crazy. He took the miscarriage as a sign the curse is at work. Ever since, he's been making me crazy and that's pretty hard to do.” Gabrielle forced a laugh.

“I've seen your books in stores. Based on the subject matter you write about, I'd bet it's difficult to spook you.”

Gabrielle inclined her head. “Exactly. But when Edward gets in one of
those
moods, like he is today, all rational thought flies out the window. Even I get nervous.”

“I can understand that. So the curse is pretty well known around here?”

Gabrielle nodded. “The stuff of town lore,” she said, a frown on her face.

“What about Mike? Where does he fall on the curse-believing scale?” Amber asked.

“Well, he's never acted as if he feared it, not the way Derek has. Then again, he's never been serious about a woman, either. Coincidence or intent?” Gabrielle shrugged, but she studied Amber with her astute gaze. “I couldn't tell you. But he's married to you now…”

“But he isn't in love.
We
aren't in love. No love, no curse. So maybe I was just a safety net for him.” Even as Amber asked the question, the thought hurt her.

She'd married Mike on a whim, but she'd taken those vows seriously. She'd begun to care about his family and she
knew
she cared about him. Enough to want him to care about her in return.

Gabrielle shook her head. “Don't read too much into it,” she said, as if knowing Amber's thoughts. “Every situation in the world has been played out in Corwin male history. If they want to find a way to say the curse exists, they will. If they want to overcome it badly enough, they can do that, too. As for Mike, I'd say his biggest problem is across the pond.”

“I agree. Edward's like one of those people in the medication ads who suffer extreme highs and lows.”

“Now, that's a good point. I wonder if he's ever
been to a doctor? A psychiatrist? I don't know. But you should ask your husband,” Gabrielle said.

Her husband. The words felt so good, so ripe with possibilities.

“What do you know about our marriage?” Gabrielle had talked Derek into giving Amber a chance, which had made Amber like Gabrielle immediately. And she desperately needed someone to talk to about Mike and her current situation. She needed a friend.

“I know a lot,” Gabrielle said, then summarized Amber and Mike's relationship.

“So you pretty much know the whole sordid story.” Amber tried not to show her embarrassment because deep down, she was grateful the other woman was well informed. “At least I don't have to retell it. Knowing all that, do you really think Mike will take any advice about his father from me?”

Gabrielle shrugged. “If he doesn't, he should. It's obvious to me how much you care about Mike. He'll be here later today, right?”

Amber nodded. “He's coming straight from work.”

“You can find out more then. But I can promise you this. I'm on your side.”

One Corwin more than she'd had yesterday, Amber thought, pleased. “Where is Derek?” she asked, changing the subject.

“At work. He's a financial planner. He wants to get as much accomplished as possible before his daughter, Holly, comes to visit for the summer.”

“How old is she?”

“Turning thirteen this August. She's a great kid.”

Amber recalled what she'd learned of Derek's first marriage. She knew he adored his daughter, but Amber was glad he and Gabrielle had gotten a second chance.

Gabrielle suddenly grabbed her purse and looked through it. “Damn, I forgot them,” she muttered, before glancing at Amber. “Do you know if there are any saltines in the kitchen?”

“I don't think so. There are corn flakes, though.”

Gabrielle wrinkled her nose and groaned, low and deep. “No, it has to be saltines. I think I'll take a ride into town,” she said, shutting her laptop and gathering her things.

Amber narrowed her gaze. “You looked a little pale earlier.” And now she was asking for saltine crackers. “Are you feeling okay?”

Gabrielle clutched her laptop against her chest. “I'm pregnant,” she whispered, although nobody else was around to hear.

“That's wonderful!” Amber squealed. “I mean, that's wonderful,” she repeated, whispering this time.

“Thank you.” Gabrielle's eyes sparkled with excitement despite the morning sickness she was obviously suffering from. “It feels so good to tell someone. I took an early home-pregnancy test this morning after Derek left for work. Once I knew, I
couldn't just sit home alone, you know? But you can't tell anyone yet. I want to get past the point I was at last time before I tell anyone else. I don't want Derek to get overly protective.”

“I understand. I do. But won't he be upset you kept it from him?” Amber knew the consequences of keeping secrets from her husband firsthand.

Gabrielle shook her head. “He'll understand. Besides, if I tell him, he'll take my shoes away and insist I wear sensible flats. He'll drive me crazy!”

Amber laughed. “Well, we can't have that!” In just two meetings, Amber had already pegged Gabrielle as a woman with incredible fashion sense and taste, especially in designer shoes.

“Besides, Derek loves you,” Amber continued. “That's obvious even to someone who's only seen you together once.” Just thinking of the way husband and wife had looked at one another left Amber feeling wistful and sad.

She wanted that for herself. Love, caring, family.

Speaking of family, she checked her watch. It was noon Eastern time, 9:00 a.m. in Vegas. She normally called the nursing home around ten, after her father had eaten and been bathed and dressed. That way the staff could tell her what kind of day he was having. She had an hour to kill before she could check in.

“Do you want me to go to town and pick up some crackers and ginger ale for you?” Amber asked.

Gabrielle shook her head. “Thanks. I'll go. I could use a break from this story. Anything I can get for you?”

“Actually, if you don't mind, I'll give you a small list.” Edward's idea of food and Amber's were light-years apart.

She walked Gabrielle back to the house and they chatted like old friends. Amber was thrilled to be the keeper of her new sister-in-law's secret and hoped for a smooth pregnancy this time around.

Gabrielle drove off and Amber headed back inside, her thoughts on Gabrielle and the family she was building with Derek. The more Gabrielle had talked about the baby she was expecting, the more the yearning in Amber's chest grew to one day have those same things for herself. She still didn't know where Mike fit into her future, but she did know she missed him.

She'd slept by herself her entire life and yet she'd had a hard time falling asleep alone last night. She'd missed snuggling into Mike's warm body. Even more, she'd missed waking up to his sexy morning smile, his gruff hello and the eager way he'd thrust inside her once he allowed himself to let go. Even if he was upset with her, in bed they were one hundred percent compatible. How many married couples could say the same?

Mike was different from other men. No man in her past had ever filled the space inside her the way
he did. None had left an aching emptiness when they were gone. He
could
be her family, her future—if he'd put the same effort into the relationship she intended to.

Because she already knew how easily she could fall for him.

M
IKE LEFT
the station and drove directly to his father's house, looking forward to seeing Amber more than was prudent. But prudence had never played a role in this impulsive relationship, which, he admitted, was what had him so on guard, off-kilter—and exhilarated all at the same time.

His cell phone rang. A quick glance told him Dan was calling and he pushed the speaker button to keep it hands free. “Talk to me,” Mike said.

“You had a phone call at the station. A P.I. in Texas,” his partner said.

Elvin Rogers, the man Mike had hired to investigate King Bobby Boyd, Mike thought, and his heart rate kicked up a notch. Maybe he'd finally get the information he needed on the stupidly named man so Amber could feel safe.

“Thanks for letting me know,” he said to his partner.

“No problem. What case are you working in Texas that I don't know about? Are you holding out on me?” Dan asked.

Mike laughed. Sometimes his partner could be such a baby, constantly needing reassurance. “It's not a case, it's personal.”

“And you're not going to fill me in,” Dan said.

Mike heard the rebuke in the other man's voice. “Maybe someday.” When he could look at himself in the mirror and not feel like such a tool. “I've got to go,” Mike said.

“Fine. Just remember what we talked about the other day. Enjoy your wife the way I'm enjoying mine,” Dan said.

“Thanks for the advice, Dear Abby. Talk to you later.”

Mike hung up and called the P.I., only to get his answering machine informing callers
Elvin Rogers, private investigator extraordinaire was on the case.

Mike groaned. What was with these Texas yahoos giving themselves nicknames and pats on the back? He left a message for the other man to call him as soon as possible and once again left his cell phone number, which Elvin hadn't bothered to use.

As Mike settled in for the rest of the drive to Stewart, it wasn't thoughts of King Bobby that filled his mind, but his partner's words.
Enjoy your wife,
echoed in Mike's head. It wasn't the first time his partner had given Mike that advice. The last time, Mike had gone home intending to do just that. Then her
news
destroyed his intent and ruined his mood.

Not Amber's. She'd been able to put their argument behind her and make love not war. She easily seduced him into doing the same. As he eagerly drove to see her, he had to ask himself,
why was he fighting it?

He already knew they were incompatible long-term, but when they were together, they were almost combustible. They both knew he'd succumb to her charm anyway, so why not
enjoy
the time he had with her?

He couldn't think of one good reason. His mind made up, and his mood lightened, Mike allowed himself to look forward to seeing his wife.

 

M
IKE ARRIVED
at his father's house to find Amber had parked his car around back, a smart move for which he credited his cousin. Outside was quiet and the front door unlocked, something he'd have to discuss with his father, at least for as long as Amber stayed here. When Edward was alone, Mike figured nobody had the nerve to bother him.

Mike let himself inside. “Hello?” he called.

No answer.

He figured his father was down by the lake. As for Amber…With a shrug, he headed down the short hall to the guest bedroom. It had been Mike's room when he was a child, but when his mother moved out, and Edward showed no interest in redecorating, Mike had renovated it. This way he could stay over
if the need arose, in a queen-size bedroom with a decent TV.

Amber's voice carried into the hall. She was on her cell phone, he realized as he stopped in the doorway. He was about to turn around and walk away, giving her privacy, when her gaze caught his.

A wide smile brightened her face and she waved him inside.

She was glad to see him, and like a teenager who hadn't seen his girlfriend in too long, his gut churned and his heart kicked into high gear.

He settled beside her on the bed and waited for her to finish her conversation.

“I understand, Nanette. I know he had a rough morning, but I'd hoped he'd feel better this afternoon.” She gripped the receiver tighter in her hand.

Obviously she was talking to someone at the nursing home and her father wasn't doing well.

“Thanks. I'll call in the morning,” she said, then hit the off button, placing the phone on the nightstand.

“Your father?” Mike asked.

Amber nodded. “He's more out of it today than usual. The good news is he doesn't know I'm not around to visit him.” Her voice cracked with the admission.

Her pain touched him and he reached out to pull her close. “He can't tell you, but somewhere deep inside your father, he knows that you love him, that
you're caring for him the best way you can,” he said gruffly.

She tilted her head back and studied him. “Do
you
believe that?” she asked, her eyes wide and hopeful.

Mike knew she was asking far more than whether her father, in his Alzheimer's-induced state, sensed her caring. What she wanted to know as whether Mike now believed she had done the best, the
only
thing she could do back in Vegas for her only parent.

Mike cupped her cheek in one hand and stroked her cheek. “I believe you
thought
you were doing the best thing you could.”

She let out a tremulous breath and treated him to a sweet smile. “Well, that's a start.”

He didn't reply. He couldn't. Her skin was soft, her hair curling gently around her face, and he was entranced. Then, when she moistened her lips with her delicate tongue, his body went up in flames.

“I missed you last night,” she said. Her fingers idly stroked the bed, making him realize how badly he needed her to stroke him.

It had been like this from first sight, Mike thought, this unique yearning for her.

Only her.

“I missed you, too.” The admission cost him a chunk of pride, yet he didn't care.

“What did you say?” She cocked her head to the side, a twinkle in her eyes. “Are you really admitting that you missed me?” she asked, obviously
pleased. Her genuine pleasure at their connection was a tangible thing.

He'd made her happy and he was glad. But she didn't need to know he'd lost his inner battle. It was up to him to come to terms with wanting her despite their differences, and with accepting what she offered, only for as long as she was his wife. Those were his burdens to bear.

He pushed those thoughts out of his mind and turned his attention to the woman in front of him. “Yes, I missed you. I admit it. I hope now that you've gotten what you wanted out of me, you're not complaining?” He shifted his touch from her face and ran his hand along the back of her hair, savoring the feel of the long strands against his skin.

Amber shook her head and grinned. “Far from it. Want to know just how glad?”

He nodded and she looped her arms around his neck, pulling him close until his lips closed over hers. He kissed her with all the longing and pent-up desire that had been building ever since she'd left Boston. Kissed her with the same passion she exhibited and then some.

He eased her backward until she lay on the bed, their mouths never breaking the sensual connection. He pulled her shirt up and slid his hand beneath the soft cotton, moving upward until he reached her breast, covered by a sheer slip of a bra. Ignoring the material, he cupped her in his palm and moved his
hand in deliberate circles until her nipple peaked against him. Then he moved to the other breast, arousing her the same way.

Beneath him, her hips rotated in a rhythm that begged him for so much more than he was giving her, and he reveled in her soft whimpers. He slid his mouth from her lips, across her cheek, and began nibbling on her earlobe. His tongue trailed a path down her neck, pausing only in places he knew would make her writhe in need.

Ignoring his own desires in favor of hers wasn't easy. He wanted nothing more than to bury himself in her soft heat and slake the yearning, if only for a little while. Because with Amber, the need for her always returned, fast and with more intensity than before.

She reached for him, obviously intending to lift his shirt, but he held her hands at her sides. “Your turn first,” he whispered in her ear.

He reached for her, about to lift the hem of her shirt, wanting to replace his hands with his mouth and give her even more pleasure.

The sound of yelling suddenly intruded on their desire-filled haze. His father's yelling. From outside.

Mike closed his eyes, wanting to push reality away, but he couldn't.

Amber shot backward against the pillows, readjusting her clothes as she moved. “Something's wrong!”

He rose and shifted the waistband on his jeans. His body still hadn't absorbed that
it
wasn't going to happen and he tried to find some comfort before heading outside to see what had upset his father.

Amber stood.

“Are you okay?” He touched her pink, flushed cheek.

“No,” she said shakily. “But it doesn't matter. Let's go see what's going on.”

He nodded. The immediate connection had been broken, but the heat they'd generated left the promise of more to come.

Together they ran, heading out the front door.

“What's wrong?” Mike asked, running up to his father.

“Some stranger's takin' my jujus off the trees out front!” Edward yelled, storming up to the house.

A car slowly pulled up the graveled driveway, seeming to follow him. Mike didn't recognize the automobile and from the way Amber perched her hands on her hips, and squinted as she glanced over, neither did she.

“Where were you?” Mike asked his father.

“Out doing my daily check of the property. Once in the morning, once in the evening. And it's a good thing I stick to routine because I found a trespasser!”

Mike ran a hand through his hair. “This has to stop,” he muttered, glancing at his agitated father.

Amber placed a calming hand on Mike's back.
She couldn't talk to him now, but Gabrielle was right. They did need to discuss Edward's mental health and the possibility of having the older man see a doctor.

The car came to a stop and to Amber's surprise, Clara Deveaux stepped out from the driver's seat, Edward's beloved jujus in her hand. Between her own father's health and Mike's return, Amber had forgotten all about Clara's possible visit.

The other woman made an impressive sight as she strode up the driveway, her long, flowered dress flowing around her as she moved.

“Who is that?” Mike asked.

“What is
she
doing here?” Edward yelled.

Before Amber could reply, Clara spoke to Amber. “It's a good thing you asked me to come. This man needs saving worse than I thought if he's relying on black magic to help him keep the curse away.” Clara waved the juju in the air.

“
You
invited her here?” Edward turned toward Amber, his face beet-red, his eyes deep and accusing.

“Who is she?” Mike asked once more.

Amber's invitation, which had seemed like an answer to Edward's troubles, suddenly seemed ill-advised. Not that she knew why.

But Edward glared at her with a look of betrayal in his eyes. Like father like son. His expression reminded Amber of Mike's the night she'd confessed.

Lord help her, Amber thought, her stomach clenching because she didn't know what kind of trouble she might have caused by bringing Clara here. Mike, who stood beside her, was as confused as Amber by his father's reaction.

She opted for the simple truth. “I met Clara when I was buying your gifts,” she said to Edward. “The dreamcatcher, the tea and candles. You liked them, remember? Clara's lovely, which you'd see if you just give her a chance.”

“I knew those things reminded me of
her!
” Edward yelled before darting around Amber, and running for the house.

He returned minutes later, armed. “Git going! Leave!” he shouted at Clara. “I don't need your help!” He dangled Stinky Pete in front of the woman, like a loaded gun.

“Dad!” Mike shouted. “Put that thing away.”

It was like a scene out of some bizarre comedy. Amber expected Clara to run away screaming.

Instead, the other woman strode up to Edward, getting in his face as if she had the right. “Give me that poor animal. A descented skunk?”

“How did you know it's descented?” Amber couldn't begin to imagine.

“It's obvious.” Clara shook her head as if surprised Amber even had to ask. “Even a crazy man isn't going to live with that kind of odor around him.”